Government of Goiás launches Vão do Paranã Irrigated Fruit Farming project

The Vão do Paranã Irrigated Fruit Farming Project, from the Government of Goiás, will serve 150 producers in the Northeast region of the state. The initiative was launched today (13/12) by governor Ronaldo Caiado, who highlighted its importance for developing the local economy. “I want to transform the Northeast and see everyone producing, making money, with a better life. That’s why I brought the most modern technology,” he celebrated. 

The unprecedented action encourages the cultivation of mango and passion fruit, based on monitoring with technical assistance from the State Secretariat for Agriculture and Livestock (Seapa), and the provision of an irrigation structure, acquired with an investment of R$ 9,8 million, for through the São Francisco and Parnaíba Valleys Development Company (Codevasf). The first selection notice for interested parties is open and registrations can be made until the 27th of this month. 

“The region has all the climatic and agronomic characteristics that favor cultivation, in addition to logistics, due to its proximity to large consumer centers, such as Brasília and Goiânia”, commented the Secretary of Agriculture, Pedro Leonardo. The estimate is that each family involved in the project will have a gross income of more than R$210 per hectare, and an area of ​​296 hectares must be covered.

The mayor of Flores de Goiás, Altran Avelar, said that local farmers have “renewed hope in the face of opportunities”. One of them is Edgar Santos, who was part of the pilot project, with nine other farmers who are already preparing to produce. “I am very happy to be part of this project. I encourage my producer friends to participate. Let’s make a movement for Flores de Goiás to grow and overcome poverty,” he stated. 

One of the highlights at the launch of the project was the presence of the Israeli ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, who came to learn about the potential of the Northeast of Goiás for fruit growing. In a speech, he said that the country is interested in establishing cooperation with Goiás in the area. “It’s a way for us to bring the experience, technology and methods we use”, said the representative of the country that is a global reference in agriculture. 

The government's expectation, according to Caiado, is to rely on foreign expertise in the stages of expanding the project, which is authorized to be extended gradually. “We already have a grant with irrigation authorization to reach up to 2 thousand families”, explained the governor. The action is part of Goiás Social and integrates Goiás' policies to encourage family farming, especially those settled under agrarian reform.

Registrations

Interested farmers must register via the website www.agricultura.go.gov.br. They will receive a visit from the Seapa and Emater team, to check the suitability of the producer and the property based on technical criteria. The chosen lands will receive an irrigation system to cover two hectares, in addition to technical assistance from Emater and Senar Goiás for production management. The OCB-GO System will support the creation of cooperatives. 

Infrastructure

Still in Flores de Goiás, Caiado delivered two concrete bridges on GO-236, over the Macacos River, replacing wooden structures. Together, they total 53,50 meters in length and will improve traffic for those traveling between the municipality and Alvorada do Norte. The State invested R$1,6 million in the works. The president of the Goiana Infrastructure and Transport Agency (Goinfra), Lucas Vissotto, reported that six wooden bridges have already been replaced this year in the region alone.